This is Tsesung Kyab, a Tibetan protester who set himself on fire and died yesterday.

More than 100 Tibetans have set themselves on fire over the last two years. Images of their protest have been shared all over the web, some more graphic than others, in an attempt to bring the reality of what is happening inside Tibet to the world.

For some reason, Facebook yesterday singled out Tsesung Kyab for special treatment and removed this image from the Free Tibet Facebook page. 

Facebook claims the picture was in breach of its community standards which state:

“People use Facebook to share events through photos and videos. We understand that graphic imagery is a regular component of current events, but must balance the needs of a diverse community. Sharing any graphic content for sadistic pleasure is prohibited.”

Comparing attempting to raise awareness of protest to taking “sadistic pleasure” is a thoughtless and ridiculous claim for Facebook for make.

The Chinese leadership must be ecstatic.

This photo is of a protest that took place on 21 March. Around 100 monks marched to the local government offices in Bhora Township. They were carrying Tibetan flags and images of the Dalai Lama and calling for freedom.